I took Latin in high school and was even in the Latin Club, which involved an initiation of walking around court square in a toga! I love etymology, alliteration, rhymes, even definitions and grammar...and a great story. Besides business writing and editing, I write poetry, song lyrics as well as compose music. I savor a good poem like some sip their coffee or inhale essential oils, appreciating the lingering effects.
I have an affinity for old typewriters and find it interesting that one of the vintage brands from Germany was the Erika typewriter. I'm still grateful my mom made me take typing in high school. I'm a super-fast typist and a pretty fast texter, too, but my thumb joints occasionally say...whoa, Nellie.
One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain, who said, "The difference between almost the right word and the right word is a really large matter. 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."
It's exciting when you find that jolt, that combination of words that creates a spark. But in defense of lightning bugs, they are such a joy to spot and hold for a glowing moment. I enjoy the treasure hunt for words as much as any pirate in search of booty. I also love doing puzzles. Each writing assignment or creative project is like a puzzle. It's figuring out how to organize the information, elements or visuals for the maximum impact and deciding what to leave out that doesn't support the overall message or would complicate it. And there has to be a sense of mystery, some longing for more...
Being involved in Toastmasters has helped me, as a behind-the-scenes person, share some of my personal stories and show me I do have stories that will resonate. But I still prefer to tell other people's stories. My goal is to find the newsworthy, the praiseworthy, the benefits, the human-interest angle and communicate that to see others get the recognition they deserve.
